My loathings are simple: stupidity, oppression, crime, cruelty, soft music. My pleasures are the most intense known to man: writing and butterfly hunting.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author lists simple dislikes including cruelty and triviality, contrasted with intense passions for writing and nature.
- In plain terms
- I hate bad things and enjoy writing and catching butterflies.
- What can you take from it?
- Personal values often contrast simple moral dislikes with deep creative passions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What simple things do you truly dislike?
- What gives you intense joy?
Another view
The list is subjective and dismisses cultural elements like music that others enjoy.
More from Vladimir Nabokov
I think like a genius, I write like a distinguished author, I speak like a child.
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